Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has mandated immediate irrigation water release for the Krishna and Godavari Deltas to ensure timely Kharif crops. During a review, he stressed boosting groundwater, filling reservoirs, and optimising water management. Naidu also allocated ₹30 crore for new monitoring equipment and pushed to accelerate key irrigation projects, including Polavaram, vital for the state’s agricultural resilience and food security.
During a comprehensive review meeting of the Water Resources Department at the State Secretariat on Friday, Chief Minister Naidu articulated a clear vision: to advance the crop season. This proactive measure is designed to minimise potential losses stemming from the impending cyclone season, allowing crops to be harvested well before adverse weather conditions typically set in. His strategy hinges on three immediate priorities: significantly increasing groundwater levels, ensuring optimal filling of reservoirs, and scientifically managing water resources across the state. This integrated approach is vital for building resilient agricultural systems in a climate-vulnerable region.
Expressing discernible dissatisfaction with the current state of non-functional piezometers and Automated Weather Station (AWS) sensors, essential tools for groundwater monitoring, the Chief Minister promptly allocated ₹30 crore for the immediate procurement of new, advanced equipment. This investment is crucial for enabling precise and scientific water auditing, providing real-time data essential for informed decision-making in water management. Furthermore, Naidu urged officials to sustain year-round green cover across agricultural lands by actively promoting three-crop cycles, a practice that enhances soil health, carbon sequestration, and overall agricultural sustainability.
In a direct intervention to improve water flow, the Chief Minister instructed officials to expedite the clearing of silt and obstructions from the Budameru canal. He also called for the accelerated completion of pending irrigation projects across vital regions including Rayalaseema, Uttarandhra, and other parts of the State. Emphasising a scientific approach to water management, he stressed the importance of devising strategies that can sustain agricultural output even during periods of drought, ensuring continuity and stability in food production regardless of annual rainfall variability. This forward planning is crucial for climate-resilient agriculture.
To enhance planning and resource allocation, officials were directed to develop a detailed action plan for crop pattern changes, actively promoting a balance between wet and dry crops, and ensuring the widespread construction of water harvesting structures for optimal conservation. He also mandated the release of regular bulletins on groundwater levels, meticulously categorising mandals based on groundwater depths – specifically those below 20 metres and between 8-20 metres, segmented by basins and districts. This data-driven approach aims to empower local farmers and administrators with critical information for sustainable water usage.
Further operational directives included the judicious use of Seeleru water for the Krishna Delta and the rapid acceleration of the Handri-Neeva main canal widening project. The Veligonda Stage-1 project has been set a completion target of June 2026, with Chief Minister Naidu urging officials to proactively secure Central funding through the crucial SASCI scheme. Additionally, immediate repairs to the Srisailam project’s plunge pool were ordered, underscoring the state’s commitment to maintaining critical water infrastructure.
Chief Minister Naidu meticulously reviewed the progress of the ambitious Polavaram-Banakacherla link project, directing officials to secure all necessary forest and environmental clearances, finalise the Detailed Project Report (DPR), and promptly complete land acquisition processes. Tenders for this pivotal project, which will be executed under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM), are targeted for finalisation by the end of June, following the preparation of draft documents under the strict supervision of a State-level technical committee. This large-scale undertaking, managed by the Jala Harathi Corporation through a Special Purpose Vehicle, is estimated to cost a staggering ₹81,900 crore. The funding structure reflects a multi-pronged approach: 50% (₹40,950 crore) from an External Assistance Project (EAP) loan, 20% (₹16,380 crore) as a Central grant, 10% (₹8,190 crore) as State government equity, and the remaining 20% (₹16,380 crore) secured through the Hybrid Annuity Model.
The Polavaram project’s civil works have reached an impressive 81.70% completion. Notably, significant progress has been achieved in 2024 under the newly formed coalition government, which has overseen a 5.93% advancement in just 11 months, a stark contrast to the mere 3.84% progress observed over the preceding five years. Specific components show strong progress: the diaphragm wall is 64% complete, the buttress dam stands at 91% completion, and vibro-compaction works for sand consolidation are 54% complete. The critical diaphragm wall is slated for full completion by December 2025. Chief Minister Naidu explicitly instructed officials to coordinate seamlessly with contractors to ensure these ambitious timelines are met. The comprehensive review meeting saw the participation of key officials, including Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu and Special Chief Secretary (Water Resources) Sai Prasad, among others. The focus on robust water management and accelerating critical projects aligns with creating sustainable, eco-friendly, and food-secure regions, benefiting all segments of society, including women farmers who play a significant role in agricultural economies.
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